Housing association saying I’m unreasonable I don’t think I am !!!

[HAunreasonable]

The HA need to do planned repair/upgrade work. The appt slots are 830-1230 or 130-530.
I asked them to book mine around school runs but twice they’ve turned up when I’m out ? Now saying that if they are ‘refused entry’ a third time it will lead to further action???

Surely they have to be fair about this and come at a time that works for everyone

Do you want the work to be done?

I dont understand why they can’t use a key ? If for example it’s an afternoon slot and they turn up at 2pm and the job takes a while I have to leave for school run at 230 ? What will they do say they can’t continue and leave when I do ? Surely not so why can’t I leave a key !!!

Just arrange a morning slot and drop them and rush home. You will be home by 9 at the latest surely?

You must understand that some people will make up lies about things stolen or broken, its to safeguard everyone!

How far away is the school? Could you put a note on the door saying ‘on school run, will be back at…’
Saying that, with all recent tradespeople I’ve asked them to come around the school run and it’s not been a problem. They generally phone to say they’re on their way and have been happy to wait a couple of minutes while I dash home.

915 as traffic and buses are awful that time of day but it’s not too bad I thought ? They aren’t flexible at all. One of my dc isn’t allowed at breakfast club till they secure 1-1
for him so I can’t use that option yet

You seem to be obstructive about this, yes you are being unreasonable.

Yes I suppose you’re right

This is how it works for everyone - private renters, owners, landlords.

Sucks, but it’s just life. We own and we had no gas last week as cadent were doing something, the boiler broke and one of us had to stay in, the chimney sweep, the plumber, etc, etc. living in a property means you have to facilitate repairs & maintenance - regardless of who owns it

Such a pain! Sorry.I’ve asked other parents from school when I’ve been in a bind and they’ve been really kind and helped me out (and I’ve been happy to return the favour).

It sounds like you don't want the work done tbh. Of course you can't leave a key to random work men! Either tell the school you'll be late , pull a sicky or ask another parent to do the school run. What do you think everyone else does?

Because you could say things were broken or stolen. Again it's the fact that a few 'opportunistic' people have done this and ruined things for everyone else. Not the HAs fault, they're protecting themselves.

It’s not something that’s really affecting us but I understand they have to maintain the properties so it’s fine it’s just they aren’t flexible at all

Our HA used to offer 3 slots; morning 8-12, afternoon 1-5 and school 10-2. It wasn't there when we first moved in. With the original time slots I always used to say at first contact that I would be unavailable 8-9 or 2.30-3.30. The school day slot started appearing a few years later so I assume they had lots of people say the same and figured it was more sensible to offer that than end up with loads of failed visits to pay for.

Call the kids in sick for the day in that case. You really don't want to have the h/a on your case

I would reply formally in writing - this can be an email but follow up with a posted letter.

State that you are writing in reference to their letter dated xxxx regarding entry to the property.

State all the hours you can accommodate
E.g. 9:30-2.00
And 4-10pm

State that you have no other means to get your child to school and that your offer of these hours has been ignored.

Stare that you have also offered that the housing association can also complete the works without you present and you can provide access via a key safe - and that this has been declined.

State that if they choose to take further action (for example request a warrant of entry via a court or to serve notice) this letter will form your defence of offering reasonable access to the Court and you consider that they the housing association are the ones not making reasonable accommodations rather than you.

Edit to say it wouldn't hurt to call your letter "a complaint" as hhe housing association is likely to have targets to resolve complaints and involve the higher ups who are not so "computer says no".

You’re having something repaired in your home for free.

people who have mortgages and have to pay for their own repairs will be given times slots just like this too and have to deal with it.

you don’t deserve special treatment over anyone else.

Sorry but do you work? How do you think people manage this kind of thing if they’re at work all day?
YABU

How about asking your elderly neighbour to sit in your house at school pick up. Supply tea and cake and they can let them in.

No, she's paying rent and the property owner is repairing the property they own. It's not 'free'.

Don't ask your elderly neighbour to do the school run - ask if they would be so kind as to sit in your house for half an hour in case a workman arrives. Simple.

I had this with HA … I was a childminder, it was literally my job to take children to school . They have since changed there policy and will put notes on after 9 etc .

One morning of unauthorised absence won't make any difference to anything. I think this is your best option.

This unfortunately is life with all sorts of trades, deliveries etc and needs to be accommodated but it's a real pain.

Can you ask someone to be in your house while you do school run, so that someone is there to let them in?

The elderly neighbour perhaps. Or.a friend who works from home could work from yours for a.day

Really. The gas guy rang me the other day as annual service is due and I said "It will have to be after the school run" and he said "half nine ok". Easy as that.